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Kids and Families

 At the chapel, we believe that kids are not just the future of the church, but that they are an essential part of the church now. 

Our prayer is that kids would encounter the reality of who God is through the local church and that their lives would be radically transformed by the love of God in this place. 

Our goal is to teach and instruct kids about God and His word, while trusting that the Holy Spirit will plant seeds of faith deep into their hearts.  We desire to see kids become life-long, resilient disciples of Christ.  

Youth

In an increasingly secular culture, we believe it’s extremely important to teach our middle school and high school students how to live counter culturally in the world.  At the chapel, we want to see our young people grow in their understanding of God’s word, His ways and His kingdom.  

Our hope is that students would feel a deep sense of belonging as they also learn what it means to follow Jesus wherever they are.  We long to see junior high and senior high kids passionately following Christ here and beyond.

Adults

God has given his church a variety of gifts to serve and equip the body of Christ. Our adult teaching ministry is an excellent way to grow together with other believers as we open God’s Word, seek to understand its message, and live it out daily in our lives. Gathering for vibrant worship and Bible teaching each week, we also have the opportunity to fellowship together by serving one another. 

Our adult ministries are actively involved in caring for one another in our church family and beyond: through prayer, through visiting and through serving with hands and feet the needs of those around us. 

As we learn of the gifts that God has given his church and actively use them to equip the body, we are building the body of Christ for reaching our world!

STAFF BIO

Ethan Wittneben

YOUTH DIRECTOR

Email:

ethan.wittneben@wordoflifechapel.org

Family:

Wife Alexis

Education:

B.A. Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies from Lancaster Bible College

MDiv from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (in progress)

Ethan was born and raised in southeastern Wisconsin where he grew up enjoying music, guitar, sports, and spending time at various youth ministries.

After putting his parents through 19 hard years of raising and parenting, he moved to Estes Park, CO to attend Ravencrest Chalet, a Bible school part of Torchbearers International.

After his first year of school, he transferred to Lancaster Bible College (B.A. Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies) where he met his wife, Alexis, who he married on May 9, 2025.

When Ethan’s not doing youth ministry, he often finds himself invested in one of the many joys he had growing up: sports, music, guitar, etc. He also occasionally spends his time serving as a Chaplain Candidate for the  PA Army National Guard.

Ethan’s ministry goal is to minister and disciple within a community, nurturing its devotion to God, compassion for others, commitment to living by truth, and proclamation of Jesus. He’s grateful to have joined Word of Life Chapel in June, 2025 to achieve this goal through the church’s youth ministry.

STAFF BIO

Marcia Heigel

OFFICE SECRETARY, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Email:

wolc@wordoflifechapel.org

Family:

Husband Keith

Marcia is no stranger to Word of Life Chapel – having grown up in the church, serving in Youth Ministry for over 40 years with her husband, Keith, and now serving as Administrative Assistant the last 16 years. Loving God’s Church and serving His people has always brought her great joy!

Marcia serves in the office throughout the week coordinating the calendar, events, and communications, all while supporting the pastor and ministry volunteers.

STAFF BIO

Katie Aungst

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY DIRECTOR

Email:

katieaungst@gmail.com

Family:

Husband Dan, sons Josh and Andrew, daughter Maddie

I’m not originally from this area (born in Annapolis, MD), but I have enjoyed putting down roots here in Lancaster county.

I’ve been attending WOLC for the past 16 years, and it’s exciting to serve part time as the Children’s Ministry Director. I love to see kids learning the truths of who God is and experiencing the love and care of Jesus through this local body of believers. My background is in elementary education, but for the past 12 years, I’ve been at home with my 3 kids, which has been a huge blessing!

I have a passion to see young people become disciples of Jesus, as they trust in Him and learn what it means to follow Him for the rest of their lives. I enjoy reading, cooking, exercising, the outdoors and ice cream. I love Jesus and His Church. Walking with Him is, by far, the greatest joy of my life.

STAFF BIO

Aaron Spoonhour

SENIOR PASTOR

Email:

aaronspoonhour@wordoflifechapel.org

Family:

Wife Heather and sons David, Micah, Caleb, Nathan

Education:

B.A. Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies from Lancaster Bible College

It’s my joy to serve and be served by our wonderful Creator as a pastor within His Church.

I was born and raised in Lancaster County. During the end of my freshman year, I received an intense desire for God’s Word and to preach His Word. Upon graduating from Donegal High School, God led me to the Adirondacks for Bible School to fuel and train my love for God’s Word & the Living Word Himself.

My desire for Christ and His Church only grew in the years to come, which eventually led me to pastor in Warrensburg, NY. After 7 years of ministry and 4 new family additions, God made it clear that He desired I move back to Lancaster, where I’m now blessed to be a part of the Word of Life Chapel family.

I truly enjoy being a pastor. I believe that our God is the greatest and I believe with all my heart that others should hear from Him and follow Him for that reason.

I also enjoy hiking, biking, running, hunting, and enjoying time with my wife and 4 boys.